Wild School
The below information is a brief outline of our weekly Wild School programme which operates during term time from various locations. For more detailed information we have created a "Useful Information" document for you to download and read as you wish. If you have further questions, please email whakatipuwildschool@gmail.com or contact Sarah on 021 160 6112
What is Wild School?
Wild School is a nature based, Forest School inspired programme that falls under the "one day school" model of education in New Zealand.
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A One Day School is an educational programme or learning space that your child attends for
one day a week, whilst still attending their regular school or home-based education. This "one day" model is growing around NZ and falls within the guidelines of the Ministry of Education.
One Day Schools have a specific focus or purpose and offer specialised, child-centred support that addresses the current educational needs for individual children, their families and communities.
Our focus for Wild School is to nurture Wonder & Wellness through nature. Our "classroom" is one where the trees become the walls kids climb and the leaves become the roof that provides us with just the right shelter for each season - ever changing, just as kids are and should be.
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Where do we learn?
In the Whakatipu basin we are blessed with natural spaces that offer a kaleidoscope of learning opportunities waiting to be discovered. We aim to secure access to "wild spaces"
that have varying natural elements from forests and fields to mountains and rivers.
Each wild space has been carefully selected to suit the seasons, and have been thoroughly assessed for risks and learning benefits. As we use the land for learning, it is our duty to show respect and care for the land. To give these wild spaces opportunity to rejuvenate and minimise our environmental footprints our Wild School sessions will change locations on occasion.​
What do we learn?
Today's children are growing up in a fast-paced world where the job or career they choose to persue may not even exist yet. Wild School is the antidote to the constant demands to be busy, to meet expectations and to suceed. When children spend the day in nature their developing bodies and minds benefit in ways that cannot be measured through tests, standards or data.
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At Wild School children experience:
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Natures changes through the seasons
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How to care for themselves through these changes
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Knowledge and understanding of Flora & Fauna
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Enrionmental care and respect practices
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Risky play & risk management
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Awareness of Self - Skills, limits & boundaries
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Real tool use for craftmanship
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Curiosity & wonder
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Problem solving skills
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Creative thinking
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Physical movement & strength development
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Nurture & collaboration with mixed ages
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Leadership opportunities
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Ownership of personal strengths
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Nurturing, experienced teachers
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Sensory regulation - Reduced cortisol/stress
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+ much more!
Wild School Fees
$75 per session - Fees charged Termly
Fortnightly, Monthly or Lump sum payments welcome.
Fees must be paid prior to daily programme commencement to secure your child’s place, unless prior arrangment/payment plan has been arranged.
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We are a local, independent, social enterprise entirely supported by local families and community and do not receive any Ministry of Education funding. All fees circle back into Wild School and keeping the vision alive and sustainable for years to come.
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Wild School & Kindy Fees are not in association with your child's school or preschool and do not impact any funding they may recieve from the Ministry of Education. Consider us as extra -curricular or a club that your child does in addition to public/home school or early childhood education.
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We are always on the lookout for kind hearted people or businesses that are wanting to create more opportunities for children to join us. We have supported many families in need of support with fees through prior generous donations. To make a donation to help subsidise children's fees, please click the button below.
Release from School
As our programme operates during normal school hours, as an alternative education to the traditional school classroom, you are required to seek permission from your schools Principal or Board of Trustees.
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This process involves you getting in touch with your school Principal to let them know about your interest/intentions to enrol your child in Wild School. We recommend you explain why you want your child to attend and the benefits they will get from the programme in addition to School.
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We are not required to be registered under the Ministry of Education, we are a private charity working alongside schools in our region. We don't require any signed documents from schools (your agreement with the Principal can be verbal).
Days & Locations
Wild School for children aged 5- 12 years old, operates on Wednesdays and Fridays. We commit to the same location for our play base each term, but may move around the area in response to weather conditions. If weather conditions are assessed to be unsafe for play we will opt to book the Frankton Scout Den.
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When enrolling, you are comitting to a full (often 10 week) school term. Late enrolments are welcome if there are spaces available in the group desired. Your enrolment will be secured ongoing for following terms, unless specified during our consultation process mid way through the term.
